Tag Archives: US pressure

Pakistan is among the most important nations in west Asia that is engaged in fighting against radical Muslim terrorism, but in so doing, it has left itself open to serious internal divisions. In the rugged tribal areas of the northwest, thousands of Pakistani soldiers are fighting the Taliban, al-Qaeda, tribal groups, and elements of the Taliban. A new US Intelligence study estimates Pakistan is over-extending its economic and military strength in this war. According to a letter signed by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, “Pakistan is going through the worse crisis of its history” and the crisis is moving the nation toward “anarchy” if it continues on this path.

The energy crisis is increasing due to rise in fuel costs, billions of dollars are fleeing the nation, and political divisions increasingly make it difficult to have a united front in dealing with the host of problems impacting the nation.

Many Pakistanis blame America for exerting pressure on Pakistan to fight against terrorism despite the economic, social, and political strain such warfare causes the country. Many Pakistani officials want to cooperate with American demands, but their military might not be able to implement the goal of victory. What then?

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, rumored to be the next prime minister, told reporters her nation needs a unity government to avoid problems that eventually could result in a 3rd Intifada. If she does become the new prime minister creating a government including all parties would be among her goals. “I believe that what we called in the past left and right is something that belongs in the past.” However, she was equally insistent international pressure could be dangerous and result in the emergence of a 3rd Intifada. Lvni believes Palestinian Authority leaders and those from Israel must resolve differences and create a two nation reality in the region.

She compared the current situation to 2000 when President Clinton tried to broker a peace agreement before he left office. Now President Bush is attempting to do the same thing and Livni fears placing tight deadlines to achieve peace will invariably result in more problems.

Unfortunately, Foreign Minister Livni, has yet to address key issue such as West Bank settlements and the desire of Palestinians for east Jerusalem as their capital. At some point, Israel leaders must confront the realities of peace.

Iraq gvernment spokespeson, Ali Al Dabbagh, said there was no “hard evidence” of involvement by Iranians in supporting Shia militants who are fighting against coalition forces. He disagreed with US claims that Iran was supplying weapons bearing the date, 2008. “We don’t have that kind of evidence.” He said Prime Minister Maliki has formed a special committee to investigate the charges. “The reason behind forming this committee is to find tangible information and not information based on speculation” said Ali Dabbagh.

Prime Minister Maliki’s nightmare is having his nation get sucked into a US initiated war against Iran which would lead to complete devastation of Iraq. “We don’t want to be pushed into any conflict with any neighboring countries, espcially Iran.” Iraqis recall only too vividly their decade long conflict with Iran which resulted in the death of millions of people and have no desire to go down that road again.

The Iraq government is under tremendous pressure from the United States to join in verbal attacks on Iran with the possibility down the road there might be a switch from words to guns. Iraq simply is not prepared for any form of conflict with anyone, particularly Iran.